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In: Bible and Theology, Faith, Grace, Legalism, Prayer and Devotions

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) Is this true of us? Have we crucified the desires of our sinful flesh and nailed them up along with our failures and mistakes? Are we also then living by faith in Christ’s finished work rather than our own righteousness? Is our good deeds also Christ living and working in us or the efforts of the flesh? OneRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology, Grace, Legalism

By Adam Graham Since the earliest churches, many believers have thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if everyone were like us?” This is opposed to thinking, “Wouldn’t it be great if everyone were like Christ?” The first group like this was the Judaizers, who sought to make early Gentile converts comply with Old Testament ceremonial laws. The Apostle Paul severely criticized the Judaizers’ legalism in requiring the works of the law for salvation in addition to the cross. Paul’s ire at them may be summed up in Galatians 5:12 (ESV): “I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!” Paul’s concern with legalism goes further thanRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology, Fear and Anxiety, Legalism, Prayer and Devotions, Sin and Holiness

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8) Lately, I’ve been using the Verse of the Day for this column (M-F), and I groaned a bit when this came up. In the conservative circles that have heavily influenced me in my walk with Christ, this verse is most often mentioned in the context of disapproving of the media our brother chooses to consume.  We would generally be wiser to take heed to what media we feed ourselves, asRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology, Grace, Legalism, Sin and Holiness

“ Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1) Many of us today are afflicted with one of two syndromes,  the Nice Christian Conflict Avoidance Syndrome or Bash Evildoers’  Heads  In Syndrome.  Some of us even manage to be afflicted with both. The shamefulness of Bash Evil Doers’ Heads In Syndrome is notorious.  However, Nice Christian Conflict Avoidance is often mistaken for a virtue, while in reality it is harmful to the entire Body of Christ. Because of it, we grow weakRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology, Legalism, Prayer and Devotions, Sin and Holiness

Depending on whom you listen to, your bible teaches either one of two things: Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. Or it says: The desires of your heart are given to you by God and you should follow them. So which does the bible actually teach? You may or not be surprised that the first theological position is aRead More →